Archives of the Frontier Universe: An Assassin's Assignment Read Free

malfunction remained, though it would hardly prove a risk in combat. Still, it was annoying.
    “So, what’s a beautiful Loene like you doing lackey work for, anyways,” pried the comm. “You should be overseeing operations on Florenial . . . or even Dailunavein.”
    Rose took a sharp but inaudible breath. “Yes, well, if you’re so confident, you could put in a recommendation for me,” she expressed, in a nicer tone than the nuisance deserved.
    “Ha! They ain’t going to listen to what I’ve got to say. If they did, I wouldn’t be here myself.”
    Rose nodded satirically and retracted her harpoon all the way. She turned to the window and Forcurrier City. Such as many of the Court worlds, even the big cities, Forcurrier’s capital exhibited a harmonious merger of technology, sentient civilization, and nature. Acres of trees, gardens, and even natural rock formations sprang up in between skyscrapers and intersecting avenues. Rose always found the landscape of Forcurrier to be quite similar to that of her home world, Venvialoen. Of course, not even the Court capital could match its perfection, though. And even on her home world, she never became a big fan of bumpy horse carriages.
    “You know, I got to ask,” began the insufferable pilot again. Rose blinked with effort. “How, uh . . . how do you feel about the Union invading Venvialoen? I know you’re with us and all, but . . . does it bother you at all?”
    “You mean, do I feel sorry for my own people?” she nearly snapped.
    “Well . . .”
    “I suppose, for as much as I should. But if they’ve chosen the wrong side in the war, they’ll pay the price. But it’s not as if any relatives of mine are in serious danger, if that’s what you think. This is more of a political issue as of now. The military is involved, I’m sure, but we’re not talking about a situation like what occurred at Atlantis.” She huffed a small laugh to herself, thinking the man’s sympathy to be almost disgustingly contrived. “So . . . no, I’m not really concerned with their position right now.”
    “Hmm. Yeah, I guess that makes sense.” The transport began to drop altitude slightly. “Anyways, we’re ‘bout there. I’m getting ready to make the final approach.”
    “Very good,” Rose breathed, altogether uninterested in unnecessary narration.
    She picked her arms up one by one and extended the harpoons on each. Other than the small irregularity in the right (which could be remedied later), they felt perfectly connected. The shadows of buildings began running over her face as their casters began to eclipse the evening sun. A moment later, tops of trees began zooming by, until the transport touched down in a clearing of tall specimens. The ship shuddered slightly as its engines died down, and Rose stood, already making for the exit.
    “Well, it’s been a pleasure, ma’am,” said the pilot. “Now I got another trip in a few. Good luck on your mission.”
    “Thanks,” she called, opening the door and extending the exit ramp.
    Even below so many trees, the evening sun was bright. Putting her hand over her face, the first thing Rose saw was Captain Meyer awaiting her on the landing pad. Rather than the tell-tale Pirate officer’s uniform, he wore formal clothes like most did on Forcurrier. He bowed slightly before walking over.
    “Ah, Posteritor Byruhme, good to meet you again.”
    She lowered her hand from her face as her eyes adjusted. “Yes, thank you, Captain.” She stepped onto the landing pad and followed the man.
    “If all goes well, you should be able to begin soon. But first, let’s get indoors. We need to review the mission. A few developments have occurred.”
    Rose nodded, and they went inside.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 2
     
     
    Most of the associates they passed on the way to the command room were common Forcurrian natives. The entire Pirate faction was, in fact, mainly comprised of